Easy viewing device with shielding

ABSTRACT

A computer monitor viewing device is provided which locates a monitor image at a comfortable viewing location and which is desirably suitable for use by most computer users and, in particular, by bifocal users. The device includes a first mirror positioned to reflect an image from a computer monitor screen and a second mirror which is positioned to reflect the image reflected by the first mirror toward the eyes of a viewer. Supports are also provided for positioning the first and second mirrors. Desirably, where the device is used in connection with a keyboard, the second mirror is positioned closer to the keyboard than the computer monitor screen, thereby allowing users, including bifocal wearers, to comfortably view the screen and the keyboard simultaneously. The device may also incorporate means to shield the user from radiation from the computer monitor.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a division of application Ser. No. 07/320,238 filed Mar. 3,1989, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,930,886 which is a continuation-in-part ofapplication Serial No. 07/180,438, filed Apr. 12, 1988, now abandonedwhich is a continuation-in-part of parent application Ser. No.07/167,641, filed Mar. 14, 1988, now abandoned all filed under the titleEASY VIEWING DEVICE WITH SHIELDING. The disclosures of application Ser.Nos. 07/180,438 and 07/167,641 are incorporated herein by thisreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to devices which enhance an operator's comfortand safety when viewing video display terminals, such as computermonitors.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Computers and their associated video display terminals (computer monitorscreens) are used extensively in the workplace in association with manytasks, such as accounting, word processing, and the like. Individualswho use computers are sometimes required to use them continuously forlong periods of time.

Prolonged viewing of computer monitor screens often results ineyestrain, burning sensations in the eyes, fatigue and headaches.Eyestrain and the burning sensation associated with prolonged viewingappear to be caused both by glare and by the eye muscles of the viewerattempting to converge the eyes to the near point image on the screen.It has been determined that, when an individual looks straight ahead,for example, at a computer monitor screen, the natural tendency of theeye muscles is to cause the eyes to diverge for distance vision.Therefore, in order to focus on a computer monitor screen at the normalviewing distance of from 18 to 25 inches while looking straight ahead,the eye muscles are strained to converge the eyes. Conversely, when anindividual looks downward at a 20°-30° angle, or so, the eyes naturallyconverge for near vision. In addition to eyestrain caused by attemptingto focus on a computer monitor, persons using bifocals are forced totilt their heads up toward the ceiling in order to view the screenthrough their bifocal segment. Tilting the head is uncomfortable andcauses fatigue. Eyestrain and fatigue can result in headaches.

In addition to complaints of eyestrain, fatigue and headaches, thecathode ray tubes which are incorporated into computer monitors emitelectromagnetic radiation which may be harmful to a user when the useris exposed to such radiation for continuous prolonged periods of time.

There is, therefore, a need for a device configured to reduce the glareassociated with viewing a computer monitor screen and disposed to bepositioned so that the operator can read the information being displayedwhile looking downwardly, for example, at an angle of 20°-30°, insteadof straight ahead. It is also desired to enhance the computer operator'ssafety by providing a viewing device that is configured to reduce theproblem of long-term exposure to radiation from video display terminals.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A device is provided in accordance with practice of principles of thisinvention that enhances the safety and comfort of an operator whenviewing a computer monitor screen, thereby increasing operatorproductivity. The viewing device includes a first mirror positioned toreflect an image from a computer monitor screen and a second mirrorwhich is positioned to reflect the image reflected by the first mirrortoward the eyes of the viewer. Supports are provided for positioning thefirst and second mirrors, as desired. The second mirror is positioned sothat the operator can see the image in the mirror by looking down at a20° to 30° angle. This promotes the comfort of the user by reducingeyestrain and associated headaches. Such positioning also enables abifocal wearer to view the screen without tilting his head upward.Preferably, when the viewing device is used in conjunction with akeyboard, the second mirror is positioned so that the user cancomfortably view the screen and the keyboard simultaneously withoutmoving the head. Being able to view the screen and keyboard withoutmoving the head reduces fatigue.

It is preferred that either the first or second mirror is a transparentmirror, and, more preferably, that both the first and second mirrors aretransparent mirrors. The term "transparent mirror" as used herein meansa mirror that reflects a first portion of light incident to it andtransmits a second portion of the light.

It has been found that the use of transparent mirrors in the viewingdevice provided in accordance with this invention reduces glare andimproves contrast, thereby enhancing the comfort of the user andenabling the user to view the computer screen for substantially longerperiods of time without suffering eyestrain, burning sensations in theeyes, fatigue, and headaches.

Preferably, at least one of the first and second mirrors is a frontsurface reflecting mirror, and, most preferably, both mirrors are frontsurface reflecting transparent mirrors. The term "front surface mirror"or "front surface reflecting mirror" as used herein means a mirror whichhas its mirrored or reflective surface on the face of the glass nearestthe viewer. The use of a front surface mirror eliminates the problem ofdouble image and distortion that is inherent in using standard back orrear surface mirrors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of the invention will now be described withreference to drawings of preferred embodiments which are intended toillustrate and not to limit the invention and in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating the reflection of an image on acomputer monitor screen toward the eyes of a viewer by a device providedin accordance with practice of principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of one preferred embodiment of adevice provided in accordance with practice of principles of the presentinvention for viewing a computer monitor screen;

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the device of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a second preferredembodiment of a device for viewing a computer monitor screen provided inaccordance with practice of principles of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a partial side view illustrating an alternative means offastening viewing devices provided in accordance with practice ofprinciples of the present invention to a computer monitor;

FIG. 6 illustrates a support for a computer monitor for use inconnection with viewing devices provided in accordance with practice ofprinciples of the present invention, with an alternative embodimentillustrated in phantom;

FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view illustrating another preferredembodiment of a device provided in accordance with practice ofprinciples of the present invention which incorporates a magnifyinglens;

FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view illustrating another preferredembodiment of a viewing device provided in accordance with practice ofprinciples of the present invention, incorporating a mirror having aconcave reflecting surface;

FIG. 9 is a view in partial cross-section illustrating the frictionalbrake mechanism of the viewing device of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a semi-schematic exploded perspective view of anotherpreferred embodiment of a device for viewing a computer monitor screenprovided in accordance with practice of principles of the presentinvention;

FIG. 11 is a semi-schematic cross-sectional view taken on line 11--11 ofFIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a semi-schematic perspective view of another preferredembodiment of a device for viewing a computer monitor screen provided inaccordance with practice of principles of the present invention whichincorporates a pivot clamp assembly configured to pivot the viewingdevice into a first position so that the screen can be viewed using thedevice and into a second position so that the screen can be vieweddirectly;

FIG. 13 is semi-schematic perspective view, in partial cross-section, ofa pivot clamp assembly provided in accordance with practice ofprinciples of the present invention; and

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 14--14 of the pivotclamp assembly of FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown a side elevational view of onepreferred embodiment of a device 14 provided in accordance with practiceof principles of the present invention for viewing a computer monitorscreen (not shown). In this embodiment, the device 14 includes agenerally L-shaped mounting unit 16 which supports a first mirror 3above a second mirror 5 which may be smaller or larger than first mirror3. In a preferred embodiment, the mirrors 3 and 5 are transparent frontsurface mirrors.

Referring to FIG. 1 in addition to FIG. 2, the viewing device 14 isdesigned for use with a video display terminal, e.g., a computer monitor2 incorporating a screen 1. The image on the screen 1 is reflected, asshown by the arrows (FIG. 1), by the front reflecting surface 4 of thefirst front surface mirror 3 toward the front reflecting surface 4 ofthe second front surface mirror 5. The second mirror 5 is shaped andpositioned to reflect the image reflected by the first mirror 3 towardthe eyes of the viewer 7, also as shown by the arrows. Preferably, thesecond mirror 5 is positioned so that, when the viewer is seated in hisnormal position for using a computer, he can look downwardly at an angleof 20° to 30° to see the image in the second mirror. As is describedabove, by looking downwardly at this angle, instead of straight ahead,fatigue is reduced.

The first mirror 3 is preferably backed by a lead radiation shield 6, orby a material other than lead suitable for absorbing radiation emittedby the monitor screen. The second mirror 5 may also have a radiationshield. If desired, radiation absorbing material may be incorporatedinto the mirrors and the shield eliminated.

It is not necessary that the first mirror is larger than the secondmirror. However, as is readily understood by reference to FIG. 1, since,in the illustrated embodiment, the distance the image travels from themonitor screen to the second mirror is greater than the distancetraveled from the monitor screen to the first mirror, the size of theimage reflected by the second mirror will be smaller than the imagereflected by the first mirror. Since the reflection of this image willrequire less reflective surface area than is needed in the first mirrorto reflect the image directly from the monitor screen, it will generallybe desirable to utilize a second mirror that is smaller than the firstmirror to minimize both the cost and weight of the viewing device 14.

In preferred embodiments, when the viewing device of this invention isin position for viewing a computer monitor screen, the optical pathlength from the center of the monitor screen to the center of the firstmirror is about 3 to 5 inches, the path length from the center of thefirst mirror to the center of the second mirror is about 7 to 11 inches,and the path length from the second mirror to a viewer seated in anormal or first viewing position is from about 17 to 24 inches. In thesepreferred embodiments, the total optical path length from the center ofthe computer monitor screen through the mirror system and to the eyes ofthe viewer is from about 27 to about 40 inches.

The eyes of an observer viewing the same monitor screen directly whileseated in the same normal or first viewing position are, on average,about 18 to 25 inches from the monitor. Thus, when the monitor screen isviewed using the viewing device provided in accordance with theinvention by an observer seated at a first position, the optical pathlength is about 9 to 15 inches longer than the optical path length whenthe screen is viewed directly by the observer seated at the same firstposition. The about-9-to-15-inch extension in optical path length makesthe image easier to read for persons whose eyes have lost the ability tofocus on images having a short viewing distance, i.e., images with ashort optical path length, and thus reduces eyestrain. In embodiments ofthe viewing device which incorporate a magnifying lens between the firstand second mirrors, a relatively larger second mirror may be utilized.

Although the first and second mirrors 3 and 5, respectively, can beeither front or back surface mirrors, it is preferred that at least one,and preferably both, is a front surface mirror. Back surface mirrorscreate a double image which distorts the images being reflected to theviewer from the computer monitor screen. Conversely, the image from afront surface mirror is not distorted and, hence, is easier and morecomfortable to view.

It is also preferable that at least one, and more preferably both, thefirst and second front surface mirrors 3 and 5, respectively, istransparent. Transparent front surface mirrors useful in practice of thepresent invention are, for example, supplied by Libby-Owens-Ford Companyunder the trademark "Eclipse Mirropane E.P." For example, aone-quarter-inch-thick, grey "Eclipse Mirropane E.P." mirror has adaylight transmittance of 13%, a daylight reflectance of 60%, and anabsorption of 27%.

It was surprisingly found that, when front surface transparent mirrors,such as the "Eclipse Mirropane E.P." mirrors, are used, the reflectedimage appears somewhat darkened due to absorption of glare, and thecontrast of the image is improved. The absorption of glare is furtherenhanced by providing a coating of black paint on the rear surface ofthe transparent mirror. Thus, the use of such transparent mirrors iseasier on the eyes and enhances the ability of an individual to view acomputer monitor screen for longer periods of time than is possible whenstandard (non-transparent) mirrors are used. Furthermore, it has beendetermined that transparent mirrors, such as the "Eclipse MirropaneE.P." mirrors, which are made by depositing a vaporized metal such aschromium onto the semi-molten surface of a ribbon of float glass in apyrolytic process, are substantially more scratch-resistant thanstandard front surface mirrors.

Finally, although more than two mirrors could be incorporated into aviewing device provided in accordance with principles of this invention,using only two mirrors is desirable in that this tends to minimize thecost of the unit while providing a non-inverted image for the viewer.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the mounting unit 16 desirably includesan upright support 9 joined at its bottom end 21 to a horizontal basemember 8. As is described below in greater detail, the base member 8 canbe in the shape of a relatively thin flat plate or can be provided withextensions which raise it from the surface. The base member 8 isrectangular in horizontal cross-section and has a rectangular notch 8a(best seen in FIG. 3) in the middle of its front end forming a pair ofparallel arms 15 spaced sufficiently apart horizontally to receive thesecond mirror 5. The upright support 9 desirably includes a pair oftrapezoidal sides 17 having a pair of vertical edges 17a and 17b, ahorizontal bottom edge 17c, and an upper edge 17d which forms a 45°angle with the base member 8 of the support 9 so as to angle downwardtoward the front end 16a of the mounting unit 16. The upper edges 17d ofthe trapezoidal sides 17 are joined by a flat rectangular connectingmember 18. The connection between base member 8 and the upright support9 may be adjustable vertically or horizontally so to better fitdifferent size monitors.

The first mirror 3 is advantageously supported between the trapezoidalsides 17 of the upright support 9 of the mounting unit 16 against theunderside of the connecting member 18 by means of suitable fasteners 13,such as clamps, screws or rivets, or the like, and may be adjustable.The first mirror's reflective surface 4 thus faces away from theconnecting member 18, forming a 45° angle with the horizontal andangling downward toward the front end 16a of the mounting unit 16. It ispreferred that the first mirror be at a 45° angle to provide maximumreflectivity of the image from the vertical monitor screen. Thisenhances image definition and makes viewing easier. The bottom, orsecond mirror 5, is advantageously secured near one of its ends to acylindrical horizontal pivot 10 which extends through the arms 15 of thebase member 8. The pivot 10 is sufficiently spaced from the bottom ofthe device 14 to permit the second mirror 5 to rotate about the pivot 10to provide a wide range of adjustability. This permits the user tochange the viewing angle of the image reflected to accommodate a varietyof user sitting positions and heights. Although the first mirror couldalso be adjustable, it is generally simpler to align the mirrors forproper viewing simply by rotating the second mirror to the properposition while leaving the first mirror in place.

The sides 17 of the upright support 9 and the shielded first mirror 3substantially block an image on the screen 1 from the view of onepositioned to the side or above the monitor screen 1. On the other hand,the intended viewer 7 can desirably direct the image directly toward hisor her eyes by adjusting the position of the second mirror 5. The imagereflected by the second mirror 5 is provided with a higher contrast andless glare than the image on the screen 1 by means of using thetransparent front surface mirrors 3 and 5, as is described above.

When the device 14 is used with a computer monitor which is removablyseated on top of a computer housing, as, for example, is shown in FIG.4, the base member 8 is in the form of a thin, rigid plate which can beinserted between the computer housing and the monitor. Conversely, whenthe monitor 2 is to be seated directly upon the top of a desk, thehorizontal base member 8 incorporates extensions 11 so that it forms abox-like member which can be used for additional storage space and toprovide a means for spacing the pivot 10 above the surface of the desktop. In either embodiment, the device is quickly and easily installedbeneath the monitor so that the weight of the monitor acts as acounterbalance to prevent the overhanging mirrors from tipping.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a device 23 for viewing thescreen 1 and computer monitor 2. The device 23 includes an uprightsupport 24 for positioning a first mirror 25 virtually identical to theupright support 9 of the device 14 of FIGS. 2 and 3, except that therear end 26 of the upright support 24 is provided with an outer flange27 to provide added rigidity. The horizontal base member 28 of thedevice 23 includes a notch for receiving a second mirror 29. The basemember 28 differs from the base member 8 of the embodiment of FIGS. 2and 3 in that it terminates at roughly the rear end 26 of the uprightsupport 24. The angle of the second mirror 29 is desirably adjustable bymeans of a lever 55 extending through the sides of the mounting unit,enabling the pivot 10 to be rotated about its axis. Although the secondmirror 5 of the device 14 shown in FIG. 2 could be rotated about theaxis of the pivot 10 with one's fingers, the lever 55 is desirable inthat it prevents the mirror 29 from being smudged by fingerprints.

Both the first and second mirrors 25 and 29, respectively, in FIG. 4 maybe secured in a tray or other suitable holder (not shown). The mirror 25may be configured to be adjustable so as to slide backward or forward onthe upright support 24 so as to be compatible with different-sizemonitors.

The viewing device 23 is attached to the monitor 2 (shown in FIG. 4) bymeans of a three-sided joining member 30 which is secured to the device23 by mating hook and loop fasteners 31, such as those provided underthe trademark "VELCRO." The hook and loop fasteners are preferablysecured to the outside surface of the sides 32 of the upright support 24and to the outside surface of a member 33 which connects the sides 32.Such hook and loop fasteners are also on the inside surfaces of the sideportions 34 of the three-sided joining member 30, and on the insidesurface of a portion 35 which connects the sides 34.

The joining member 30 is preferably made of fabric, but can readily bemade of other materials, such as foam or plastic. The joining member 30is connected to the monitor 2 by a suitable means of fastening, such asmating hook and loop fasteners 31, which are preferably secured to thetop 37 and sides 38 of the monitor 2 and on the inside surfaces of theside portions 34 and connecting portion 35 of the rear inside edge 36 ofthe member 30. The joining member 30 forms a hood to block ambient lightfrom the mirrors 25 and 29 of the viewing device 23.

FIG. 6 illustrates a base member 49 for use with the device 23 of FIG.4. The generally rectangular base member 41 may be relatively flat witha rectangular notch 50 for receiving the second mirror 29 of the device23, or may be several inches tall, or may be in different shapes andsizes to act as a spacer to accommodate different size monitors and forma rectangular storage space beneath the monitor (shown in phantom). Ascan be appreciated from FIG. 4, the image reflected by the second mirror29 will be closer to the keyboard 60 than the computer monitor screen 1,thereby making it easier for all users, including bifocal wearers, toview the screen 1 and the keyboard 60 simultaneously.

Turning to FIG. 5, there is shown a partial side view of anotherembodiment of a viewing device 41 useful when the computer monitor ispermanently attached to the computer or when the monitor is sittingdirectly on a desk. The device 41 is directly secured to the monitor 2by fasteners 42. The connecting member 43 of the upright support 44 ofthe viewing device 41 is provided with a projection 45 which restssubstantially flat above the top 37 of the monitor 2 during use. Thedevice 41 hangs from and is secured to the top 37 of the monitor 2 bysuitable fasteners 42, such as mating hook and loop fasteners which aresecured to the top 37 of the monitor 2 and to the underside 46 of theprojection 45, respectively. Preferably, the sides 47 of the uprightsupport 44 of the viewing device 41 rest against the front portion 48 ofthe monitor 2 which surrounds the screen 1, to thereby prevent movementof the device 41 relative to the monitor 2. This decreases the level ofshear forces on the fasteners 42.

FIG. 7 illustrates yet another embodiment of the invention wherein theinterior faces 61 of the sides 51 of the upright support are providedwith inwardly extending horizontal ribs 52 for supporting a magnifyinglens 53 for magnifying the image reflected by the first mirror 3 so thatthe image reflected by the second mirror 5 will be larger. The lenscould also be used to shrink the image and, depending upon the desiredapplication, various biconcave or biconvex lenses could be utilized.These lenses may be fresnel and may be made of glass, plastic, or othersuitable material. These lenses may also incorporate radiation absorbingmaterial, if desired. The position of the ribs is preferably such thatthe image on the second mirror is magnified or reduced, as desired, andproperly focused.

Referring now to FIG. 8, the viewing device provided in accordance withthis invention may incorporate a second mirror 5 having a concavereflective surface 54 so that the image reflected by the second mirrortoward the eyes of the viewer will be magnified.

Referring now to FIG. 9, to prevent the second mirror 5 from rotatingonce it has been adjusted, the threaded end 56 of the pivot 10 oppositethe lever 55 is provided with a frictional brake 57, of cork or othersuitable material, which presses against the pivot 10 when compressed bya knob 58 to resist the rotation of the pivot 10 and, therefore, themirror 5 in either direction. The braking system may also be a cupbrake, a gear coupled brake or other suitable system that will allow thesecond mirror 5 to stay in an adjusted position. The braking systemtension may be adjustable to allow a tension suitable to the user. Sincethe position of the second mirror must be changed frequently, forexample, to move it out of the way to change computer disks, it isimportant that a frictional brake, such as the brake 57, be providedinstead of a system which must be loosened and then tightened each timethe mirror must be moved. The frictional brake system is substantiallyeasier to use and less tiring for the operator.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, there are shown, respectively, asemi-schematic, exploded, perspective view and cross-sectional views ofanother preferred embodiment of a device 62 provided for viewing acomputer monitor screen. (The computer monitor screen is not shown). Thedevice 62 includes a support or mounting structure 63 for mounting afirst mirror 64, with the support 63 mounted onto a base member 66 onwhich a second mirror 68 is mounted. As is described below in greaterdetail, the means for supporting and positioning the first mirror 64,i.e., the support 63, and the means for supporting and positioning thesecond mirror 68, i.e., the base 66, provide a single mounting structurewhen the support 63 is on the base 66. As was the case with the previousembodiments, the first mirror is provided to reflect the image from acomputer monitor screen to the second mirror, from which the image isreflected to the eyes of the viewer. Furthermore, the device 62 isconfigured so that the second mirror can be adjusted to provide thatwhen a viewer is seated in his normal position for using a computer, hecan look downwardly at an angle of 20° to 30° , or so, and see the imagein the second mirror.

The support 63 comprises a pair of spaced-apart, vertical, left andright sides 70 and 72, respectively, when viewing the device 62 from thefront 62a, connected at their tops by a connecting member 74. In apreferred embodiment, the first mirror 64 is mounted in a housing 76,which in the illustrated embodiment has a rectangular, inverted-trayshape having a flat surface 78 with four sides 80 extendingperpendicularly downwardly away from the surface 78. The mirror 64 ofthe preferred embodiment is an "Eclipse Mirropane E.P." mirror with areflecting front surface 82 (best seen in FIG. 11) and is provided witha coating 84 of black paint on its back non-reflecting surface 86.Preferably, a thin lead film or foil 88, which extends over the entirecross-sectional area of the mirror 64, is between the mirror and theflat surface 78 of the mirror housing 76. The coating 84 of black painthas been found to maximize reduction of glare from transparent frontsurface mirrors, thereby enhancing the comfort of the computer operator.The lead foil absorbs any harmful radiation that may be emitted from thecathode ray tube of the computer monitor, to shield the operator fromharmful radiation. If desired, the lead foil can be deleted and a leadedblanket or the like (not shown) can be draped over the back of themirror housing and connecting member 74 to provide a radiation shield.Alternately, a lead paint can be used in place of the lead foil, or leadmay be added to the material, such as plastic, which forms the housing.

The mirror housing 76 is slidably mounted in channels 90 and 92 onopposite sides of the support 63 at its top. The channels 90 and 92 aredefined by a pair of support brackets 94 (only one of which is shown)mounted on the inside surfaces of the left and right sides 70 and 72 ofthe support 63. Each support bracket 94 has a top surface 96 on whichthe edges 76a of the mirror housing slides. The channels 90 and 92 areformed between the top surface 96 of the bracket 94 and the innersurface 74a of the connecting member 74. The mirror housing 76 is heldsnugly in frictional engagement in the channels 90 and 92 by means of aresilient material 97, such as a plastic foam, sponge rubber, or thelike, which is provided in at least one of the channels 90 and 92extending between the top surface 96 of the bracket 94 and the insidesurface 74a of the connecting member 74. The edge 76a of the mirrorhousing 76 is frictionally engaged with the resilient material 97, whichacts as a frictional brake so that the mirror housing 76 stays in placeunless a force is applied to the mirror housing to move it. For example,the mirror 64 and its associated housing 76 can be adjusted by pushingthe housing up or down within the channels 90 and 92. This can beefficiently accomplished by using the finger hold 99 which extendshorizontally across the top of the back surface of the mirror housing76. When the mirror has been moved to its desired position, it will stayin place by means of the frictional engagement with the resilientmaterial 97. Preferably, the support is configured so that the firstmirror 64 is at an angle of about 45° to vertical.

The base member 66 is rectangular in horizontal cross-section with anotch 100 in its front end 102, which is configured to receive thesecond mirror 68. The notch 100 is defined by a pair of spaced-apartleft and right extensions 104 and 106, respectively. The extensions 104and 106 comprise four-sided, truncated, pyramid-shaped sections 108 and110 extending vertically from their forward ends.

The second mirror 68 is mounted in a mirror housing 112, with the frontsurface 114 of the mirror 68 facing out from the housing. As was thecase with the first mirror 64, it is preferred that the second mirror isa transparent front surface mirror, such as the "Eclipse Mirropane E.P."mirrors described above. Furthermore, the second mirror 68 has a layer(not shown) of black paint on its back surface, similar to the blackcoating layer 84 on the back surface of the first mirror 64.

The mirror housing 112 is mounted on a pivot assembly (not shown)similar to the pivot assembly 10 described above with reference to theprevious embodiments. Thus, the angle of the second mirror 68 can beadjustable by being rotated about the pivot axis. The pivot of thisembodiment incorporates the frictional brake as is described withreference to FIGS. 8 and 9. Thus, when the second mirror 68 of thisembodiment is adjusted to its desired position, it remains in thatposition until adjusted further.

In an exemplary embodiment, there are three vertically-spaced-apart sets120, 122, and 124 of two horizontally-spaced-apart holes in both of theoutside walls 115 and 116 of the left and right pyramid-shaped sections108 and 110. (Only the holes in the wall 115 of the section 108 areshown.) The support 63 has pairs 126 and 128 ofhorizontally-spaced-apart holes in the bottom of its left and rightsides 70 and 72, respectively. The support 63 is adjustably mounted ontothe base member 66 by lining up the desired set of holes 120, 122, or124 with the holes 126 and 128 in the sides 70 and 72 of the support 63,and by inserting mounting pins 130 through the lined-up holes. Thus, theheight of the support 63 can be adjusted up or down, as desired, bylining up the desired sets of holes 120, 122, or 124. This provides ameans for adjusting the height of the first mirror relative to thesecond mirror and enables the device 62 to be useful with different-sizecomputer monitors. If desired, more or fewer than three sets of holescan be provided in the base member.

As was the case with the base member 49 illustrated in FIG. 6, thegenerally rectangular base member 66 is relatively flat and isconfigured for placement between a computer monitor and its associatedcomputer so that the monitor acts as a counterbalance for the weight ofthe support 63 and its associated overhanging first and second mirrors64 and 68.

When a computer monitor is not to be positioned on a computer, the basemember 66 can be mounted directly onto a pedestal unit 131, which, inthe illustrated embodiment, is rectangular in shape and has a notch 132in its front end defined by a pair of spaced-apart left and rightextensions 134 and 136, respectively. The pedestal unit 131 is providedto position the support 63 and associated base member 66 of the viewingdevice 62 at the proper height when the device 62 is not elevated byplacement on top of a computer. The notch 132 accommodates the secondmirror 68 and allows the mirror to be pivoted to its desired position.

In the illustrated embodiment, the base member 66 is hollow, and a pieceof plastic foam 138 or other like material, formed to fit within thehollow portion of the base 66, is provided so that the base will be in astable relationship when it is mounted on the pedestal unit 131.

Turning to FIG. 12, there is shown a semi-schematic perspective view ofyet another preferred embodiment of a device 140 provided in accordancewith practice of principles of the present invention for viewing thescreen (not shown) of a computer monitor 142. Turning additionally toFIGS. 13 and 14, the viewing device 140 incorporates a pivot clampassembly 144, which is configured to swing or pivot the device 140 intoa first position (as is shown in FIG. 12) for viewing a computer screenby means of first and second mirrors 146 and 148, respectively, and, asis described below in greater detail, into a second position, away fromin front of the screen so that the computer screen can be vieweddirectly. The viewing device 140 incorporates a support 150 whichcomprises left and right sides 152 and 154 connected at their tops by aconnecting member 156. The first mirror 146 and the second mirror 148are preferably transparent front surface mirrors and are mounted inhousings 158 and 160, respectively, which are similar to the housingsdescribed above with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. Preferably, themirror 146 has a lead foil (not shown) between its back surface and theviewer, and both of the mirrors 146 and 148 incorporate a coating ofblack paint on their back surfaces.

The housing 158 slides in channels 162 and 164 formed beneath theconnecting member 156 along the top inside portions of the walls 152 and154 of the support 150. The channels 162 and 164 are defined bycomponents similar to those which provided the channels 90 and 92 of theembodiment described in FIGS. 10 and 11. Thus, the first mirror 146 andits associated housing 158 can be moved within the channels to a desiredposition by sliding it in and out, as appropriate.

The second mirror 148 and its associated housing 160 are mounted on apivot system (not shown) similar to the pivot system 10 described in theprevious embodiments. Thus, the mirror 148 can be adjusted by pivotingit around a pivot in the same manner as the second mirror of theprevious embodiments was adjusted. In a preferred embodiment, the firstand second mirrors are transparent front surface mirrors, such as the"Eclipse Mirropane E.P." mirrors provided by Libby-Owens-Ford anddescribed above.

Turning particularly to FIG. 13, the pivot clamp assembly 144 providedin accordance with this invention comprises a hinge pin 170 whichcomprises a shaft 172 with a knurled knob 174 on its top end. A threadedhole 176 is through the knurled knob and extends into the top center ofthe shaft along its length. A threaded hole 178 extends into the bottomcenter of the shaft along its length. The holes 176 and 178 are eachabout one-third as long as the shaft. First and second hinge sections180 and 182, respectively, are mounted onto the shaft below the knurledknob and extend outwardly therefrom. Turning particularly to FIG. 14,the first hinge section 180 is formed of a flat plate portion 184 on oneend, having a portion 186 in the shape of one half-cylinder on itsopposite end. The second hinge portion 182 incorporates a flat platesection 188 on one end, with curved section 190 on its other end. As isbest seen in FIGS. 13 and 14, the cylindrical portion 186 and the curvedsection 190 are shaped and sized so that they can be positioned alongthe length of the shaft on its opposite sides, with the flat portionsextending next to each other and away from the shaft. A collet 191(shown in FIGS. 12 and 13) is mounted on the bottom of the shaft 172which holds the portions 186 and 190 of the hinge sections in placevertically on the shaft. Screws 192 extend through holes 194 and 196 inplates 184 and 188, respectively. A plurality of holes 200 (in thiscase, three) are through the flat plate portion 188 of the hinge section182 for use in mounting the pivot clamp onto the side 202 of the viewingdevice 140 by means of screws 203 (shown in FIG. 12). A clamp 204 ismounted onto the top of the pivot clamp assembly by means of a bolt 206which extends through one end 204a of the clamp 204 and into thethreaded hole 176. A clamp 208 is mounted onto the bottom of the pivotclamp assembly by means of a bolt 210 which extends through one end 208aof the clamp 208 and into the threaded hole 178. As is best seen in FIG.12, the device 140 is mounted onto the computer monitor 142 by securingthe clamps 204 and 208 onto the top 142a and bottom 142b of the monitor142.

When the viewing device 140 is mounted on the monitor 142, it can beswung into position, as shown in FIG. 12, for viewing the computermonitor screen via the second mirror 148 or, conversely, it can be swungaway from the computer monitor screen by means of the pivot clampassembly 144 so that the screen can be viewed directly. The resistanceof the hinge sections 180 and 182 to pivoting or turning on the hingepin 170 can be adjusted by loosening or tightening the screws 192. Forexample, when the screws 192 are loosened, the hinge sections will moverelatively more freely on the shaft 172 of the hinge pin 170, and,conversely, when the screws 192 are tightened, the hinge sections willmove relatively less freely.

The viewing device 140 can also be moved up and down relative to thecomputer monitor by screwing the knurled knob 174 in one direction orthe other. For example, when the knurled knob 174 is screwed downwardlyalong the bolts 206 and 210, the shaft 172 turns within the hingeportions 186 and 190 and moves downwardly along the length of the bolts,which lowers the device 140. Moving the knurled knob in the oppositedirection will raise the device 140.

Thus, there is provided a computer monitor viewing device whichdecreases eyestrain among users, shields users from radiation andeffectively shields the monitor screen from unwanted viewers.

The above descriptions of preferred embodiments of devices provided inaccordance with practice of principles of the present invention forviewing video display monitors, are for illustrative purposes. Becauseof variations which would be apparent to those skilled in the art, thepresent invention is not intended to be limited to the particularembodiments described above. The scope of the invention is described inthe following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for viewing a computer monitor screencomprising:a first mirror positioned to reflect an image from a computermonitor screen; a mounting structure for supporting and positioning thefirst mirror; a second mirror positioned to reflect the image reflectedby the first mirror upwardly toward the eyes of a viewer, wherein thefirst mirror is at a higher elevation than the second mirror, and eitherthe first or the second mirror is a front surface mirror; and a basemember for supporting and positioning the second mirror, wherein thefirst mirror mounting structure is mounted on the base member, and thebase member is configured to support a computer monitor.
 2. The viewingdevice of claim 1 wherein both the first and second mirrors are frontsurface mirrors.